Louisiana has a 50-50 chance of having a representative in the 2011 Big League World Series starting today.

To get there — Easley, S.C., July 26-Aug. 5 — either one of two teams from a state district will have to survive the Southwest Regional tournament that will be held at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

The pre-tourney favorite, North Louisiana-based District 5, will face Texas West of Arlington in a 7:30 p.m. contest tonight. That game will follow a 4 p.m. tourney opener pitting South Louisiana-based District 2 against Texas East from The Woodlands.

At a regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday, the Lincoln Parish School Board learned more about Louisiana’s new educational program titled Jump Start.

Jump Start is a program designed for school districts, colleges and businesses to collaborate by offering career courses and workplace experiences to high school students. At the end of the program, participating students would be certified in their desired career paths.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Louisiana recently had Dr. Ben Carson, a columnist, national news contributor and retired neurosurgeon, speak at the club with summer campers, staff and the board of directors.

“This may be one of the greatest opportunities our children have ever received as members of the Boys and Girls Club,” said Club Chief Professional Officer Eldonta Osborne. “We appreciate board members Steve Davison and Laurie James for arranging this visit with Dr. Carson.”